And hope that if Steven was their man, whatever he was up to in the dark of night didn’t escalate before answers could be found that would provide an explanation for the tragic death of an innocent man.
TWENTY-FOUR
NATALIE WAS ACTINGSTRANGE.
As Steven finished the apple cobbler she’d baked for their Saturday night dessert, he gave her a surreptitious inspection across the silent table.
She was playing with her spoon, poking at her dessert but not eating it, twin grooves etched on her forehead.
Could she be feeling ill? Had she suffered another dizzy spell? Was she mulling over his suggestion that she sell this place and move to St. Louis?
Whatever the cause, her quietness was out of character. In general she kept the conversation flowing at a brisk pace while they ate their meals.
Not tonight.
It might behoove him to find out what was on her mind.
He finished chewing the tender crust on the cobbler, swallowed, and picked up his coffee mug. “Another excellent dinner, Natalie. You’ve spoiled me with these weekend feasts.”
The smile she gave him was subdued. “I like having someone to cook for. That’s another reason Cara’s presence has been such a joy this fall. She appreciates my food too, andI’m grateful for the companionship. Meals weren’t meant to be eaten alone.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
Instead of responding, she went back to playing with her dessert.
He quashed a sigh.
Apparently he’d have to be more direct if he wanted to get a read on her mood.
“You seem preoccupied tonight.”
“Do I?” She broke off a bite of cobbler with the edge of her spoon. “I’m sorry if I’ve put a damper on our dinner. I have a lot on my mind.”
“Understandable, with all the odd happenings around here in recent weeks.”
“That’s part of it, of course, but I’m also worried about you. You slept quite a bit yesterday, and again today.”
Because he wasn’t getting much shut-eye at night, thanks to his forays into the cave.
Not an excuse he could offer, but the cut on his forehead gave him a perfect out.
“This left me with a nagging headache.” He touched the bandage the sheriff had put on yesterday. “Sleeping helps. But there’s no need for you to fret. The cut will heal. I’m sorry if I haven’t been good company.”
“No apology necessary. I’m used to you working in your room or hiking around the property while you’re here. Knowing you’re close by has always been a comfort in itself.” She picked up a crumb from the tablecloth and set it on the edge of her plate. “I know your injury will mend, but I’ve been wondering if you ... if there might be anything else wrong.”
His pulse took an uptick.
Had she found out about his dire financial situation? Was it possible she’d heard about the drastic erosion in his client base? Did she know he was behind on multiple bills, hadmaxed out his credit cards, and that a collection agency was on his tail for his late BMW payments?
Impossible.
He’d kept all of his problems close to his vest.
Nevertheless, it was possible she’d gotten wind of a woe or two. Stranger things had happened.
But before jumping to any conclusions, it would be prudent to feel her out. See if she knew about any of his distressing secrets.
“Like what?” He kept his manner nonchalant.
